noted , somewhat paradox ##ically , for both their fighting abilities and their humanitarian qualities . = = colonial era = = = = = british forces in australia , 1788 – 1870 = = = from 1788 until 1870 the defence of the australian colonies was mostly provided by british army regular forces . originally marines protected the early settlements at sydney cove and norfolk island , however they were relieved of these duties in 1790 by a british army unit specifically recruited for colonial service , known as the new south wales corps . the new south wales corps subsequently was involved in putting down a rebellion of irish convicts at castle hill in 1804 . soon however short ##coming ##s in the corps convinced the
noted, somewhat paradoxically, for both their fighting abilities and their humanitarian qualities. = = colonial era = = = = = british forces in australia, 1788 – 1870 = = = from 1788 until 1870 the defence of the australian colonies was mostly provided by british army regular forces. originally marines protected the early settlements at sydney cove and norfolk island, however they were relieved of these duties in 1790 by a british army unit specifically recruited for colonial service, known as the new south wales corps. the new south wales corps subsequently was involved in putting down a rebellion of irish convicts at castle hill in 1804. soon however shortcomings in the corps convinced the